5-Ingredient Grilled Loaded Potatoes: Dinner in 15!

Introduction

Transform humble baked potatoes into a gourmet feast with this ridiculously easy grilled loaded baked potato recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant-quality wait time. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even your family!) with minimal effort.

Why This Works

This recipe shines because it’s all about leveraging simple ingredients and the power of the grill to create a deeply satisfying meal. The grilling adds a smoky char to the potatoes, enhancing their natural flavors, while the loaded toppings provide a burst of contrasting textures and tastes. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it’s the perfect answer to a quick, delicious dinner.

Key Ingredients

🥔 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
🌿 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌿 ½ teaspoon black pepper
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥓 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
🧅 ½ cup chopped green onions
🥣 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2️⃣ Pierce each potato several times with a fork. This prevents them from exploding on the grill!
3️⃣ Rub potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Place potatoes directly on the grill grates and cook for approximately 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the heat of your grill.
5️⃣ Remove potatoes from grill and let cool slightly.
6️⃣ Cut potatoes lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
7️⃣ Top each potato generously with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
8️⃣ Add a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Handy Tips

• Consider using pre-cooked bacon for even faster prep time.
• For extra smoky flavor, soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to your grill.
• If you don’t have a grill you can use your oven at 400°F (200°C), piercing potatoes and baking until tender.

Heat Control

Medium heat is ideal for grilling the potatoes evenly and achieving a nice char without burning them. If your grill runs hot, reduce the heat or increase the cooking time and check for doneness regularly.

Crunch Factor

The combination of crispy bacon, tender potato, and slightly crunchy green onions delivers a satisfying textural contrast. The grill adds a lovely slight crispness to the potato skin as well.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little extra cheese on after the initial topping and let the remaining heat from the potato melt it to perfection.
• Add a pinch of your favorite chili powder or smoked paprika for a kick of flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings! Jalapeños, chives, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce are all delicious additions.

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These loaded baked potatoes are perfect for casual gatherings. Serve them straight from the grill in rustic foil boats, or if you prepared them earlier, consider individual serving bowls with decorative napkins. Include small containers of your favorite toppings to make it a personalized gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, crumbled cotija cheese, and a dollop of chipotle mayo.
🌟 Mediterranean: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan: Add minced garlic to the potatoes before grilling and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
🌟 Buffalo Chicken: Shredded baked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, blue cheese dressing, and celery.

Troubleshooting

• Potatoes are burning: Reduce grill heat or wrap potatoes loosely in foil to prevent burning.
• Potatoes are not cooking through: Increase grill heat or increase cooking time, ensuring potatoes are turned regularly.
• Potatoes are too soggy: Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried before oiling and grilling to allow crispier skin formation.

FAQ

• Can I use other types of potatoes? Russets are best for their fluffy interior, but you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a creamier texture.
• How long will the potatoes stay warm? They’ll stay warm for about 30 minutes after grilling, served immediately for best results.
• Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can scrub and oil the potatoes earlier in the day and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
• What if I don’t have a grill? You can definitely bake the potatoes in the oven. Just remember to pierce them to prevent exploding.
• Can I make this recipe for a crowd? Absolutely! This recipe scales easily—just increase the ingredients proportionally.

Conclusion

This Grilled Loaded Baked Potato recipe is your new go-to for a quick, delicious, and impressive weeknight dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Share your culinary creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com – we can’t wait to see your twist on this classic!